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Secrets of the Course: IRONMAN Switzerland

Spectators line the swim start at IRONMAN Switzerland. (Photo by FinisherPix.com)

Set in the beautiful city of Zurich, this was one of the first IRONMAN races in Europe. Here's how to get the most out of your trip.

by Zoie Clift

The IRONMAN Switzerland course takes full advantage of its proximity to Lake Zurich, offering breathtaking views of the Alps. There are no course changes for this year, but the race has been changed from an open transition to the well-known special needs bag system.

The swim portion in Lake Zurich features an interesting "Australian exit" between loops over a small island. The two-loop bike goes through the city center along the lakeshore and features two testing climbs known as "Heartbreak Hill" and "The Beast." The four-loop marathon course traverses through the city's parks and along the lake.

Set your sights high: The course record still remains at 8:12:27, and belongs to five-time IRONMAN Switzerland champ Olivier Bernhard, set in 2000.

Insider tips for athletes

Professional triathlete Stephanie Jones finished the course in 10:04 last year, and says the bike course is versatile with long climbs; fast descents with a few technical corners; and long, flat and fast sections. Her advice? Don't take Heartbreak Hill’s reputation lightly. "This hill isn't very long comparatively, but the grade is steep," she cautions. "The second time you climb it you are only 10 to 15 kilometers from T2, so it can hurt if you haven't paced or fueled yourself correctly."

Also, be on the lookout for descents from the bike course aid station and Heartbreak Hill. Nico Aeschimann, managing director of the race, advises being ready to brake at all times, looking far ahead and keeping a little less pressure in your tires to increase the grip.

Age grouper (18-24) Jordi Goodman, who finished the race in 11:05 last year, suggests taking time to enjoy the view, especially if you're not from the area. "The bike course is stunningly beautiful," he says. "Riding in the mountains around Lake Zurich really is special. In all the little towns along the way people are out cheering on the course. The Swiss love their cowbells!" On the run, keep in mind the numerous changes of direction that can make it difficult to find a rhythm, he adds.

Sights for spectators

Those wanting to catch the action have many options, including leaving the swim start area and watching race from the Saffa Island pedestrian bridge. Aeschimann suggests taking the shuttle bus (which leaves every 15 minutes) to Heartbreak Hill. Return to the event area for lunch and the winners, he says, then situate yourself on the run course to cheer for the age groupers.

As for dining recommendations, have a celebratory meal in the Old Town, the city’s historic center set against a backdrop of medieval buildings. Make sure you don’t miss the post-race brunch and awards ceremony on Monday following the race in the historic Schützenhaus Albisgütli. "If you come to the awards ceremony you have already done your first sightseeing trip," Aeschimann says, and advises taking the train to Uetliberg then walking to the Felsenegg cable car.

Additional activities include hitting a bar on the river Limmat, or going to the open-air cinema at the lake. There's also Masoala Rainforest at the zoo, Fraumunster Church with the famous Chagall windows and St. Peter's Church with Europe's biggest clockface. The day before the race (Saturday), make the weekend a triathlon festival with the 5150 European Champs.